socialized medicine
nounUK /ˈsəʊʃəlaɪzd ˈmedsɪn/
US /ˈsoʊʃəlaɪzd ˈmedɪsɪn/
A way a country helps pay for everyone's doctor visits and hospital care.
In countries with socialized medicine, people can see a doctor without worrying about the bill.
SYNONYMS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A system where the government owns and runs hospitals and clinics.
Some critics say socialized medicine gives the government too much control over hospitals.
3. Healthcare paid for by everyone's taxes rather than by private insurance.
Under socialized medicine, taxes fund the clinics and hospitals.
4. A political label used to describe government involvement in healthcare.
During the debate, the bill was called socialized medicine by its opponents.